Cord prolapse claims focus on whether any foreseeable risk was managed, whether the prolapse was recognised promptly, and whether the emergency response and birth met the expected standard. They also ask whether a faster response would probably have reduced the baby's injury.
The clinical event
Reviewers first establish how and when the prolapse occurred and was detected. Relevant circumstances may include the baby's position, the state of the membranes and any procedures performed beforehand. Whether there were risk factors that should have shaped earlier planning can also be examined.
A rare adverse event is not proof that anyone did something wrong. The focus is on decisions and actions around it.
The response timeline
Because minutes may matter, building an accurate timeline is central. Reviewers compare times recorded in midwifery notes, the CTG trace, emergency call logs, theatre records and anaesthetic charts. Clock discrepancies between machines and handwritten notes are common and must be reconciled carefully.
Key points usually include:
- Recognition of the prolapse
- Call for help and arrival of senior staff
- Decision about mode of birth
- Transfer to theatre, if applicable
- Time of birth and start of newborn resuscitation
Delivery records
Operative notes, anaesthetic records and neonatal resuscitation records show what happened in the final stage. Cord blood gas results and Apgar scores provide information about the baby's condition at birth. However, they need expert interpretation and cannot by themselves show what caused any injury. Incident reports may exist but are not always released, and a solicitor can advise on access.
Injury and causation
If a baby suffered injury, experts consider whether it relates to the prolapse and its timing or to other factors. They then ask whether a faster or different response would probably have produced a better outcome. Neonatal and sometimes neurological opinions are often needed.
Legal review
A solicitor can obtain the full set of records, including electronically stored CTG data and audit trails where available, and engage suitable experts. They will also explain the limitation rules and any notice requirements that apply in your jurisdiction.
For your next conversation
- Full CTG trace, including electronic version if available
- Midwifery and medical notes with recorded times
- Theatre and anaesthetic records
- Neonatal resuscitation record, Apgar scores and cord gas results
- Any open disclosure meeting notes or letters
- Your own timeline written soon after the birth
Common questions
The times in different records don't match. Does that matter?
It can. Discrepancies are common because clocks and devices differ, and staff may write notes after an emergency. Experts and solicitors try to reconcile them using all available sources. Conflicts are noted carefully rather than assumed to show fault.
Should my waters have been broken given my baby's position?
That is a clinical judgement question about risk factors and the guidance in place at the time. An obstetric expert would consider the recorded findings, the reasons given for the decision and the alternatives before offering a view.
Sources & further reading
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: labour complications (opens in a new tab)
- RANZCOG: fetal surveillance guideline (opens in a new tab)
These references support the topic’s starting points. They do not determine the facts, standard of care or law applicable to an individual matter.